Maximizing Solar Success: Innovative Vegetation and Construction Strategies for Utility Scale Projects

In the rapidly evolving field of sustainable energy, utility-scale solar projects present unique challenges in erosion control and stormwater management. This presentation delves into the critical planning and coordination necessary to ensure successful stormwater management and erosion control at utility scale solar facilities across the country.

Full Abstract: Effective stormwater management on utility-scale solar projects requires more than just a comprehensive Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP). It demands extensive collaboration and a behavioral shift among engineers, stormwater specialists, contractors, and owners to have a well thought out plan while being flexible to ensure risks are mitigated. This presentation will outline the importance of early site assessments, pre-construction vegetation establishment, strategic construction phasing and the concept of non-structural BMP’s to mitigate erosion and sediment issues.

Throughout the project's development, design, and construction phases, it takes dedicated internal teams of subject matter experts that Westwood and Invenergy have formed to work closely with all stakeholders to address past challenges such as major discharges and high costs due to storm damage. By investing upfront in in-depth site evaluations and pre-construction seeding implementation, conjoined with solid engineering and Best Management Practices (BMP) allowances, and through we were able to save time and money in the long run. The presentation will highlight the impacts and value of:

• Early site assessment and pre-construction vegetation establishment.
• Upfront spending on engineering and BMP allowances.
• Clear and concise BMP design and phasing within engineering plans.
• Strategic construction phasing to minimize storm risk.
• Selecting the appropriate BMPs for large, disturbed drainage areas.
• Proactive effective stabilization techniques.
• Ongoing communication between owners, contractors, and engineers.

We will also address common issues faced during and after construction, such as soil health assessment, vegetation establishment in challenging conditions, and managing erosion control in areas with high stormwater flow. Specific scenarios will include soil testing, selecting appropriate vegetative mixes, seeding strategies, and managing cut/fill operations.